Enjoying the Journey

May 01, 2017 08:16AM
● By Louisa Asseo

Enjoying the Journey

Louisa Asseo, DVM, DABVP

For a sun-loving girl like me, my adventures usually lead me
to the beach and the water. However, a few weeks back, while visiting dear
friends in Oregon, we took a trek up to Mount Bachelor in search of a much
colder adventure. How did my friends convince me to brave the snow? A sled dog
ride! And what an exhilarating experience it was.

The sled dogs were amazing animals. They are Alaskan
Huskies, a specially bred group of dogs that are playfully called “the most
expensive pure-bred mutts.” Not to be confused with the well-known Siberian
Husky breed, these dogs are a blend of northern breeds built for pulling,
speed, and endurance. They are about 50 pounds in size and can vary in
coloration, hair coat length, and eye color. What they all share as a breed is
that they are sweet, high-energy dogs that love to run.

When the empty sled approached, all 50 dogs in sight started
bouncing, barking, and running in circles as if to say, “Pick me! Pick me!” Ten
dogs were chosen to lead our adventure. Once these darlings were secured to the
sled, I could feel their excitement heighten. To add to our experience, we got
the extra pleasure of having our musher be the father of the famous Rachel
Scdoris – the first legally blind woman to complete the Iditarod. We climbed
into our sled, the brake was released, and we were off. The companions left
behind stopped barking and changed their chorus to a howling of disappointment
as we sped away.

Racing through the clean, white snow surrounded by snow-topped
evergreens was one of the most peaceful experiences I have had – despite the
view of 10 bounding dog butts in front of us. At that moment, it was clear that
these dogs – although touring people over the same course day after day – were
happiest when they were running, coasting downhill, and pulling uphill with all
their might – basking in the enjoyment of the journey.

I began reflecting on my first year of creating and
operating Oasis Veterinary Hospital. Like these dogs, this is what I was built
to do. The ups and downs, the coasting, and the struggles of the past year have
been rewarding and fulfilling as well as challenging and tiresome. But just
like these sled dogs seeing the empty sled come into view, I too find excitement
at what each new day holds in store. It has been quite a pleasure to serve the
community and its furry, scaly, and sometimes feathered friends during this
past year. It has been amazing to connect with old friends and meet so many new
friends, and I am looking forward to the future! Now, where is that sled?